InterExchange 2024: A Year of Global Connections
InterExchange 2024: A Year of Global Connections
A message from our CEO
InterExchange is dedicated to fostering people-to-people diplomacy, a mission that has guided our work since our founding. Inspired by the Fulbright Hays Act of 1961 and the principles of international exchange it promotes, each year we strive to expand the reach of our programs, enrich the experiences of our participants, and contribute to a more peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous global community. In 2024, we partnered with hundreds of American host families, summer camps, seasonal businesses, and corporations to provide opportunities for participants from 60+ countries to broaden their cultural awareness, experience new environments, build lasting friendships, and develop skills that will stay with them for years to come.
InterExchange’s dedicated staff takes pride in offering our participants safe programs in amazing communities across the country and locations around the world. The American host employers, community leaders, and local citizens we partner with value cultural exchange and recognize the many benefits the programs bring. We cultivate relationships abroad and support young leaders who will build the bridges of greater cross cultural communication and mutual understanding. Each new connection becomes a lifelong bond. Each program alumni and American host who share their experiences with their friends and family inspires the next generation of participants and hosts, and further enhances the richness of international exchange.
We’re pleased to share some of the highlights of our work in 2024 and hope you will find our story impactful and inspiring.
Christine La Monica-Lunn
Chief Executive Officer
InterExchange
2024 InterExchange program impact
of participants have a more favorable view of the American people
of participants increased their personal and/or professional skills
of participants had opportunities for making cultural connections and sharing
Extending the reach of exchange programs
Camp Zambia program
In 2024, a new country was represented in InterExchange’s Camp USA program, marking an exciting milestone. Through a unique partnership between a former participant and Program Director Christian Smith, 30 young Zambians had the opportunity to spend their summer as U.S. camp counselors. While they embraced American values, traditions, and culture, they also shared the rich culture of Zambia, introducing campers at 20 different summer camps to traditional foods, games, and customs. This exchange exemplified the true spirit of global connection and cultural sharing. Camp USA is proud to have hosted these counselors and looks forward to expanding opportunities for youth across the globe to experience the magic of camp!
InterExchange Foundation
Through our Christianson Fellowship, InterExchange is dedicated to providing young Americans the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through unique cultural exchange experiences in communities abroad. In 2024, four fellows used combined awards of ~$40,000 to pursue a transformative volunteer project. The Fellows designed projects that drew on their knowledge, skills, and abilities, aligned with their future career interests, and addressed the specific needs of the host community. Christianson Fellows participate in impactful cross-cultural work, gaining a global perspective and honing essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Through this unique experience, they expand their professional network internationally, forming lasting relationships that open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and career growth. As Fellows work in fields closely aligned with their prior experience and future career aspirations, many go on to build careers that leverage the skills and insights they developed during their time as a Christianson Fellow abroad. Meet our 2024 fellows:
Meet our 2024 fellows
Caroline Schauder is developing a web app for REMADE in Cambodia to help them track their efforts to eliminate textile waste and educate people about sustainable fashion.
Lila Williams is in Trieste, Italy, working closely with mental health patients, learning about their lives, and exploring how Italy’s model of holistic care could help shape mental health support back home.
Spoorthy Reddy is tackling healthcare barriers in Melbourne, Australia, by supporting a community hub that connects families to crucial medical and social resources.
Elizabeth Trudel is in Greece, teaching language skills to refugee youth and creating a safe, inclusive space for learning and self-confidence. She believes that education can open doors to brighter futures.
Elizabeth Trudel, Christianson Fellowship recipient
I’m deeply motivated by my desire to help to break down the barriers displaced people face in accessing education. Throughout my experiences, I’ve seen how language skills can either empower individuals or isolate them, and I want to contribute to creating an inclusive learning environment for those most marginalized. The work of Better Days resonates with my passion for combining human rights with practical education initiatives, particularly for refugee youth. I’m driven by the belief that education is a fundamental right, and I’m eager to be part of a project that directly tackles these inequalities.
American Summer Exchange
At InterExchange we strive to make the wonders of cultural exchange as accessible and enjoyable to as many people as we can. Our innovative American Summer Exchange program offers young people from around the U.S. the unique opportunity to spend their summers working alongside international students at iconic seasonal locations like Acadia National Park, the New Jersey shore, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Participants gain a deeper understanding of other cultures and a deeper appreciation of US regional traditions and culture while gaining valuable work experience!
One parent touted the benefits for her high school graduate
Spending the summer working and living on “campus” was an excellent way for my graduating senior to get a taste of college life before adding the pressures of a demanding academic schedule to the mix. They made friends from all over the world, flexed their self-sufficiency skills, and enjoyed a scenic part of America that reignited their love of the great outdoors. And on top of that, they started college with some extra money in their pocket! It was the perfect amount of time for a pre-college experience.
Enhancing the
participant experience
Summer of Safety initiative
Our Summer Safety Initiative 2024 elevated participant well-being through bike light distribution to major summer destinations including Old Orchard Beach, Maine; Lake George, New York; and Bethany Beach, Delaware. By partnering with local Chambers of Commerce and community support groups, we distributed hundreds of bike lights, enabling participants to safely explore their host communities.
A collaboration with Ocean City, Maryland’s Lights for Bikes Campaign demonstrated our integrated approach to safety. Working alongside local police and transportation departments, we provided both equipment and essential road safety education, recognizing the varying traffic rules across cultures.
The initiative’s reach expanded through our staff site visits across 23 states, combining safety equipment distribution with on-site program monitoring and meaningful participant connections.
Unforgettable cultural experiences for au pairs
Our dedicated Local Coordinators offer year round support and play a key role in shaping the experience of our InterExchange Au Pairs and their American Host Families. In 2024, Local Coordinators planned approximately 741 events in 57 communities across the U.S. From the excitement of baseball games and picnics during the warm summer months, to the cozy charm of ice skating and festive holiday parties in the winter, our Au Pairs experienced American traditions firsthand. These events allowed Au Pairs to bond with their host families but also the broader community, creating genuine cultural exchange and lifelong connections.
We were recently offered a special glimpse into the lives of our participants and host families as we rounded out the year with the announcement of our annual Super Au Pair contest winner. The Super Au Pair contest recognizes the heroic acts that our au pairs perform every day that enhance the lives of their host families. This year’s top prize went to Carla García Herrera of Mexico, who bravely helped the Sharkey family through unexpected transitions during 2024. Congratulations, Carla!
Host Family Day in San Francisco
Super Au Pair 2024 Winner
Au Pair Cluster in TX – Pumpkin Patch Visit
Building welcoming host communities
Much of the success of BridgeUSA programs is due in part to the welcoming host communities around the USA who whole-heartedly embrace the spirit of cultural exchange and understand the value of the programs’ economic impact. They often serve as allies to ensure that each exchange program participant has a safe and rewarding experience, and returns home with a new appreciation for U.S. culture and American hospitality.
InterExchange is proud to work with Summer Work Travel (SWT) Community Support Groups around the country—often comprised of local law enforcement, religious organizations, chambers of commerce, and other community members—to help share their knowledge of the United States and ensure the wellbeing of our Work & Travel USA participants as well as those of other SWT sponsors.
Here are of a few of our 2024 highlights from these collaborative efforts:
Cape Cod host employer forums
Port Clinton welcome event
Community Support Group Summit in Myrtle Beach
This past spring, ahead of the busy tourist season on Cape Cod, representatives from InterExchange convened with host employers, housing providers, U.S. Department of State representatives, and other visa sponsors in Hyannis and Provincetown, Massachusetts, to equip local host employers with knowledge and tools to enhance the SWT program on the Cape. In addition to general BridgeUSA program updates, discussion topics included housing, transportation, participant safety, and mental health.
On July 29, the city of Port Clinton, Ohio, hosted an event for about 200 SWT participants who were excited to work alongside the local community to keep Port Clinton businesses running during the busy summer months. “We couldn’t survive economically without these kids,” said Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider, who served as the event’s host. “There’s just not enough people to meet demand in the summertime.”
Participants were treated to live music, dancing, games and dinner grilled by Port Clinton Safety Service Director Tracy Colston and Port Clinton Police Chief David Scott. “We want to send them back as ambassadors for America,” said Becky Davis, Regional Account Manager for InterExchange.
In November, InterExchange participated in the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Community Support Group Summit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The summit was a national gathering for communities that host SWT participants, bringing together a broad range of stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of State, local law enforcement and government officials, and community leaders to discuss the SWT program and its impact on both participants, host employers and the local community. There was special emphasis on housing and transportation, as well as participant safety and mental health, highlighted by the groundbreaking for a brand new participant housing facility. Presentations also underscored the economic and cultural benefits program participants bring to communities by filling seasonal jobs and contributing to the local economy.
Cape Cod host employer forums
This past spring, ahead of the busy tourist season on Cape Cod, representatives from InterExchange convened with host employers, housing providers, U.S. Department of State representatives, and other visa sponsors in Hyannis and Provincetown, Massachusetts, to equip local host employers with knowledge and tools to enhance the SWT program on the Cape. In addition to general BridgeUSA program updates, discussion topics included housing, transportation, participant safety, and mental health.
Port Clinton welcome event
On July 29, the city of Port Clinton, Ohio, hosted an event for about 200 SWT participants who were excited to work alongside the local community to keep Port Clinton businesses running during the busy summer months. “We couldn’t survive economically without these kids,” said Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider, who served as the event’s host. “There’s just not enough people to meet demand in the summertime.”
Participants were treated to live music, dancing, games and dinner grilled by Port Clinton Safety Service Director Tracy Colston and Port Clinton Police Chief David Scott. “We want to send them back as ambassadors for America,” said Becky Davis, Regional Account Manager for InterExchange.
Community Support Group Summit in Myrtle Beach
In November, InterExchange participated in the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Community Support Group Summit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The summit was a national gathering for communities that host SWT participants, bringing together a broad range of stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of State, local law enforcement and government officials, and community leaders to discuss the SWT program and its impact on both participants, host employers and the local community. There was special emphasis on housing and transportation, as well as participant safety and mental health, highlighted by the groundbreaking for a brand new participant housing facility. Presentations also underscored the economic and cultural benefits program participants bring to communities by filling seasonal jobs and contributing to the local economy.
Shaping the future
Emphasizing customer experience
At InterExchange, we understand that our participants’ exchange experience begins with us. This year, we launched a new role, ensuring we remain intentional about our customer-focused approach. Alex Cohen will be leading our efforts as our new Customer Experience Manager. Through customer journey mapping and interviews, we have already begun creating a customer-centric strategy to refine our processes and program delivery. For example, our Career Training Customer Experience Research project provided valuable insight into our participants’ experiences throughout the program. We interviewed participants about their satisfaction with our application process, website, and communication. We also conducted a Customer Experience project for Au Pair USA, where we interviewed host families to gather feedback on our current systems and processes. Their insights led to meaningful improvements to our matching system, many of which are already being implemented and are shaping future enhancements. These efforts helped us to better understand our participant and host needs, and to refine our services to meet those expectations. In his new role, Alex will continue to gather and act upon insights like these to help us make every exchange journey as rewarding and seamless as possible.
Fostering global STEM leaders
In 2024, a quarter of Interns and Trainees sponsored by InterExchange participated in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) internships in the U.S. This is an exciting milestone and one that underscores our partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s STEM Initiative. These individuals represent a new generation of global leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and cross-cultural understanding necessary to tackle complex, global problems. By immersing themselves in American academic and professional environments, these STEM-focused participants contribute to the exchange of ideas and the development of innovative solutions, while also bringing valuable insights from their home countries.
Promoting exchanges through advocacy
InterExchange remains committed to shaping the future of exchange programs through ongoing educational advocacy outreach efforts. In 2024, we held meetings with sixteen Congressional offices representing seven states during the annual Alliance Advocacy Day. We also participated in the Alliance’s Summer of Action advocacy initiative. With this initiative, the exchange community, and InterExchange, raised awareness about the benefits of international and cultural exchange programs by engaging with Congressional offices and staff at a district level. For example, over the summer, Camp USA and Lions Camp Badger hosted Nicole Leonard, Field Director for Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY 19), for an immersive visit exploring the benefits of BridgeUSA exchanges and the Camp USA program. Work & Travel USA and host employer, Mission Point, also welcomed Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI 1) for a warm meet-and-greet with InterExchange participants, highlighting their experiences working in and exploring their host community in Michigan.
Promoting exchanges through advocacy
InterExchange remains committed to shaping the future of exchange programs through ongoing educational advocacy outreach efforts. In 2024, we held meetings with sixteen Congressional offices representing seven states during the annual Alliance Advocacy Day. We also participated in the Alliance’s Summer of Action advocacy initiative. With this initiative, the exchange community, and InterExchange, raised awareness about the benefits of international and cultural exchange programs by engaging with Congressional offices and staff at a district level. For example, over the summer, Camp USA and Lions Camp Badger hosted Nicole Leonard, Field Director for Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY 19), for an immersive visit exploring the benefits of BridgeUSA exchanges and the Camp USA program. Work & Travel USA and host employer, Mission Point, also welcomed Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI 1) for a warm meet-and-greet with InterExchange participants, highlighting their experiences working in and exploring their host community in Michigan.
